Top 5 Albums of 2010

Before I get this rolling, I totally stole this idea from Bbank's Beat. Although Michael and I have very similar tastes in music, they are different enough for me to make an almost entirely different lineup. so here goes!

1. OMNI - Minus the Bear 
(Released May 4th, 2010)

All I can say is WOW. This album introduced me to my now life-long love for Minus the Bear. I remember near the time of it's release, the guys stopped by WNKU to play an acoustic set and I was one of the lucky ones who got to enjoy the candid show. OMNI- rightfully named after the band's favored instrument on the album- the Omnichord, offers a sound like no other. The melodies waste no time in digging themselves deep in your soul, creating an almost knee-jerk reaction to start groovin' along with the songs. This is definitely an album to jam to with the windows down on a hot summer day when you're feeling like getting your groove on. If you haven't given this one a try yet, I strongly urge you do so.


2. High Violet- The National
(Released May 10th, 2010)

This album has been like an old toy for me this year. Much like how Andy has Woody, I have all of these Buzz Lightyear albums to keep me busy, but this one has been nothing short of old faithful. Like a fine cognac, the Cincy natives have aged beautifully, still keeping their youthful charm. They have come a long way from their debut Alligator and I honestly don't think they could ever top Boxer, but High Violet definitely adds some weight to their portfolio. The vocals wrap you in a warm blanket that has a few holes to let the cold creep in. Just enough to keep you awake while you listen to a life's story being told through hopeful eyes. This one is just brilliant song after song despite the melancholy. This album is my silent killer for the year, always in the background reminding me of it's presence. Check out Bloodbuzz Ohio

3. Suburbs - Arcade Fire
(Released August 3rd, 2010)

Arcade Fire has done it again! I could go on for days about my love for this band, but i will spare you. Arcade Fire is known for being very dynamic and VERY spirited. This album absolutely exemplifies those strengths. Being a kid that grew up (mostly) in the suburbs, these songs really hit home. AF is really great at speaking straight through to your inner child that begs to be set free, and that message is even better when is battles against the American dream. The whole album is chock-full of brilliance, but once you get to Sprawl II (mountains beyond mountains), there's no turning back. I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the itch to go build a tree house or ride my bike until i can't feel my legs.


4. Sigh No More - Mumford & Sons
(Released October 5th 2009)
Ok so I cheated on this one. Although it was released in late 2009 I think we can all agree it made major headway in 2010. With that being said, Sigh No More has been an enormous influence on my musical taste this year and I feel that this album along with I and Love and You by The Avett Bros. has almost single handedly re-shaped my desire for new music. The harmonies are incredible and elegantly played into the bittersweet honesty of the lyrics. When I first listened through this album in May, I was an emotional wreck. This album displays a struggle between Man and God that sinks like a brick in your gut, and unveils a sense of uncertainty that compliments the feeling of the need for hope. Please do yourself a favor and buy this one.


5. Libraries - The Love Language
(Released July 13th, 2010)

Brennen (my brother from another mother) introduced me to this band (literally) in the fall of 2009 and ever since i've been hooked. This album makes me miss Wilmington, North Carolina like no other, and it constantly reminds me of a road trip Brennen and I took up to Ohio State to see them at The Wex, only to catch the tail end of their set. The band is made up of some of the coolest people i've ever had the privilege of meeting and that reflects in their stage presence. It's just a big party. Stu is an excellent vocalist and he is backed by an awesome group of musicians that come together for some rememberable music. 

TRON: Legacy Review

I had the privilege of seeing Tron: Legacy last Friday and it was worth the hefty price. The look of the film is just ridiculous, especially in IMAX 3D (which I highly recommend). This is no Avatar as far as aesthetics go, but the creative designers really went the extra mile. It's really hard to think that filmmakers can make better looking films in the future, although im pumped to see what they can do! The story is lined with plenty of allusions toward creation and the relationship Sam and Kevin Flynn share. The soundtrack is flippin' awesome! Daft Punk's full score is the sweet, sweet icing on the cake, along with some great 80's throwbacks that had me rockin in my seat. Disc fights, light cycles, and a groovin' soundtrack all come together for a great night out at the movies. I highly encourage you to go see this one.


OVERALL: 7.5 out of 10 


Fun Fact: Jeff Bridges was in the United States Coast Guard, now you know!
source

Why didn't I think of this!?

Ok, so as I was Stumbling along this evening, I landed on the greatest idea I have seen in a long time. Thank God for minimalists!


If you are anything like me, sitting indian style lasts for about a comfortable 5 minutes until death and terror strike your butt and back muscles. Even in situations where you can get the half-sprawl goin with maybe one leg out of the Indian and a hand back to lean on, my body begins to scream horrible things at me. I find this happens to me most often at Young Life camps when hoards of people cram into the club room and after singing everyone is in a mad rush to sit down before everyone else to ensure a comfortable spot. 


Well fear no more my aching friends! its as simple as a Nylon Strap!


I plan on trying this out for this year's Leader weekend at Rockbridge. I will probably look like a giant idiot but at least I will be comfortable.


-Andy


FACT: In 1942 Nylon was called into service for the armed forces use in parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and many other vital military uses.
Source

The Lord of the Rings-athon!

So here it is! my first official post!

This past Saturday (Dec 18) I attended the annual Lord of the Rings party hosted by one of my favorite families, the Gautrauds. As nerdy as it sounds, i have been anticipating this party ever since i first heard of it during my freshman year in high school when my then YL leader Joel told me about how they hang up banners, light tons of candles and have a massive feast all while watching all three LOTR films. Needless to say this is right up my alley.


This year was the first year I was able to attend this famous get together and it was everything i ever thought it would be. Everyone was in full costume (mostly hobbits) and the atmosphere was really homey (if that's even a word), much like the feeling you get while watching the opening scene in the Fellowship of the Ring when you see Gandalf riding through the Shire, and Frodo sitting against a tree reading a book... ok maybe not that homey, but when you walk through the front door you are greeted with the amazing smell of pipe tobacco and the aroma of a hearty feast. 


After I got settled in my first of three positions on the couch to begin watching the films, I quickly found myself immersed in the land of Middle Earth. Nerdy I know, but at this point i could care less. I have seen all of the movies several times before, but never all 9ish hours of them in one day. I have to say as tired as I was, It's so much better this way. You really get a feel for the struggle and burdon that Frodo is facing as he carries the ring to it's demise. Even more so I noticed the overwhelming support he had in his fellowship with Elves, Men, Dwarfs ect. 


Of all the elegantly thought out themes of LOTR, I kept finding myself cling hard to Frodo's loyal friend Samwise Gamgee. I just can't get over how awesome and crucial he is to the journey. There are many times when Frodo wants to give up and it always seems like he gets handed the shaft. I mean, he gets stabbed like 3 times, and they aren't just a normal stab from some orc. He gets nailed by the King of the Nazgul with a blade that apparently just makes the wound a pain in the butt to heal, then he gets run through by a freakin cave troll, and lastly stabbed in the back with the stinger of a spider the size of a house. Let's face it, he has a really rough time and whats more amazing is Sam's willingness to keep pressing him on, even in the face of doubt and the uncontrollable urge to beat the crap out of Smeagol/Gollum. 


I remember in high school my YL leader Pete gave a campaigners lesson about LOTR and the relationship that Sam and Frodo share. I remember Pete saying "Everyone needs a Samwise Gamgee!" Of course, me being a teenager I never gave it much thought after the fact until now. Numerous times in the films, Sam risked his very own life to keep Frodo out of the clutches of evil, whether it be fearlessly smacking a cave troll in the face with a skillet, or offering to carry the ring himself, Sam is most definitely the type of friend we all need. Even more though, he is the type of friend we all need to aspire to be for someone else. John 15:13 constantly popped in my head as i see this beautiful friendship unfold in front of me... "Greater love has none than this, than to lay down his life for his friends." I find myself constantly being reminded lately that loving your friends means more than buying them a cup of coffee or encouraging them with scripture. Granted, these things are excellent ways to show them you care, they are mear stepping stones. At one point during the last film 'Return of the King' Frodo and Sam are scaling Mt. Doom (rightfully named as they did not hope to make it out alive) Frodo falls from severe exhaustion and is down for the count. Sam hobbles over to him, barely able to make it himself, and picks Frodo up and cradles him in his arms. "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" and Sam proceeded to lead Frodo to destroy the Ring once and for all. 
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO1GPtNyPQU


After numerous times of being denied by Frodo, numerous times of coming within an inch of death, and after miles upon miles of clinging to Frodo and the relentless fight for himself not to be tempted by the power of the Ring, Sam has nothing but courage and hope for his friend and the world he lives in to be rid form the evil that enthralls it. Galatians 6:1-3 is even more true now that I have seen this relationship that Sam and Frodo share. I cannot say that I am of the caliber of Samwise Gamgee, but he is most definitely a man I strive to be for my friends, to lay down my life for them only to see them with me one day in paradise. 


- Andy


Random Fact of the Day: Samwise Gamgee was born in the year 2980 of the Third Age, to Hamfast Gamgee his father. Sam was named Mayor of the Shire 7 times due to his heroics during the War of the Ring, and he was also (ironically) a gardener.

is this Myspace?

Yeah!

I finally gave in and started my very own Blog. With the help of Michael Brookbank (http://themiraclesinbetween.blogspot.com), I have a working title for this little project; The Hamster Wheel. I'm not entirely sure why I chose it, but it's relatable and it's slowly growing on me. 

With this excellent tool of modern media technology i plan on documenting odd things I learn in my travels, along with the awesome things. I always seem to find myself conversing with friends over things that we really like or things we wanted so terribly bad to love, but ended up a red hot heap of mess *cough* Avatarthelastairbenderfeaturefilm *cough* so expect to see a lot of reviews on music, movies, sweet restaurants, gadgets, yada yada. 

I'm really excited to get the ball rolling with this bad boy and even more excited to just celebrate the excitement of finding cool things and sharing them with others.

With that being said, i'm going to hit the hay. Be eager to hear about my adventure I had this past weekend in Middle Earth with a bunch of nerdy Hobbits.

OH! I almost forgot. 

With every Blog i post, i will include random fact of the day, as i know everyone loves useless bits of information.

Godspeed,

Andy